Over 100 organizations call on Congress to pass farm bill to meet food challenges

More than 100 organizations are asking Congress to craft a food and farm bill that addresses historic inequities, tackles the climate crisis, provides nutritious food to communities, fights corporate consolidation, and protects food and farmworkers. 

After failing to pass a new five-year food and farm bill before the expiration of the 2018 farm bill, Congress extended the 2018 legislation through Sept. 30, 2024. Neither the House nor the Senate has produced draft legislation.

The letter, sent to House and Senate agriculture committee leadership in early December, identifies 34 “marker bills” that, if included in the next food and farm bill, would help transform the U.S. food and agriculture system into one that is more sustainable, resilient and equitable, and that farmers, workers, and communities need and deserve, according to a news release.

Lead letter authors include the Climate Justice Alliance, HEAL Food Alliance, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective, National Black Food & Justice Alliance, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Young Farmers Coalition, Springfield Food Policy Council, Union of Concerned Scientists, and United Food and Commercial Workers, the release said.

“This group of diverse organizations came together to endorse these 34 marker bills because they offer a road map to a more equitable and sustainable food system,” Sophie Ackoff, farm bill campaign director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in the release. “It’s time for the food and farm bill to serve farmers, workers, and community members instead of corporate agribusiness. Congress should listen to the needs of frontline organizations and communities and incorporate these bills into a food and farm bill that President Biden can be proud to sign.”